Stockport's inaugural Urban 5k race was a runaway success, as over 240 competitors from across the region and beyond sprinted over the finish line. The event, organised by The Running Bee Foundation, raised a huge £4,060 in entry fees alone for nominated charities Beacon Counselling and the British Heart Foundation to support their ongoing valuable work in Stockport.
Taking place in Stockport town centre on Saturday 18th September, the closed road circuit race was led by Stockport Council in memory of Will Garner and Dave O'Brien from the Street Lighting Team, who sadly passed away in 2020. The charities were nominated by their families, with members of the Street Lighting Team and other council staff joining the race to help raise money for these brilliant causes.
Race entries were just one of the ways money was raised, with competitors and the wider public raising hundreds more through online donation sites. The total amount raised was over £4,400.
Leah Goodhind, British Heart Foundation's Fundraising Manager for Cheshire, said: "Thank you so much to everyone at Stockport Council and all the Urban 5K participants for their support. This amazing amount of money will fund lifesaving research that will help heart patients and their families in Stockport and beyond."
Joanne Watson, Beacon Counselling, said: "We were thrilled to be part of the day with our own team running for sponsorship and our invaluable volunteers manning the bag drop off area for runners, raising extra funds. A huge thank you to everyone involved in the race. The money raised will help us to deliver essential therapy to adults, young people and children experiencing mental distress."
Councillor David Meller, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration said: "This was such a fantastic and uplifting event, and we are delighted to have raised such a significant sum for two charities that mean a lot to our colleagues and the families of Will and Dave. I also want to say a big thank you to everyone who took part and helped to organise the event."
The event was such a success Stockport Council hope to run a similar event in the future that will allow Stockport residents the chance to get active and compete in a timed event in their area.